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Tag: Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC)

  • LASIEC holds bye-election Tuesday

     

    Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) will on Tuesday conduct the councillorship bye-election into Ward C (Owode Orile) in Bariga Local Council Development Area.

    Two political parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are participating in the bye-election.

    The bye- election is necessitated following the death of Solomon Awokoya, the Councillor representing the Ward.

    At a briefing on Monday in Sabo, Yaba LASIEC headquarters, its chairman Justice Ayotunde Phillips (retd) said the election would be conducted between 9am and 3pm.

    She urged eligible voters in the affected area to cast their votes for candidates of their choice.

    According to her, there would be no restriction of movement during the period since the election would be organised within a small community.

    Justice Phillips said the commission would set up an Election Support Centre at the headquarters to monitor reports from its personnel and promptly respond to any challenges that might arise.

    The commission, she said, had held an intensive training programme for the ad-hoc personnel to be used for the conduct of the election to guard against avoidable mistakes or errors that could cast doubts on the integrity of the election and the commission.

    The chairman added that the commission was working in collaboration with security personnel to ensure a hitch-free election.

    She warned that any miscreants or criminally–minded people caught for a breach of the peace would be prosecuted.

    Justice Phillips appealed to the media to continue to assist Election Management Bodies by educating eligible voters to participate in the electoral process to reduce the high rate of voter apathy across the country.

    She stressed the commission had regularly sensitised stakeholders on the need to participate actively in the electoral process to strengthen democratic rule in the state.

     

  • We will create economic prosperity for our people – Hon. Rasak Ajala Akinola

    We will create economic prosperity for our people – Hon. Rasak Ajala Akinola

    Hon. Rasak Ajala Akinola was on Tuesday sworn in as the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA) by Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

    The 57 newly elected council chairmen were sworn in by the governor at the state secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja.

    Ajala, who represented the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Saturday local government election in Lagos, defeated his opponents by a landslide.

    In a chat with our correspondent after his inauguration, he described the election as free and fair.

    Ajala also praised the Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Ayotunde Phillips, for organizing a credible council election for the state.

    He said: “Although the turnout was not as expected due to the heavy downpour on the day of the election, however, the turnout was very encouraging. As a party we proved a point that the APC is politically entrenched in Lagos State. Our victory was overwhelming – landslide in the ratio 70 to 30. It is a bold statement by the people of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye that we are still with the APC leadership and its leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    “We live among the people, and know what their expectations and aspirations are; therefore, our programs would be tailored along that line so that at the end of our tenure, we would have succeeded in creating a people with great economic, social, and infrastructural prosperity.

    “As a government, we have five covenants we have made with our people. They are – infrastructural development; social intervention, youth, sport and women development; capacity building and education; health and environment; governance and security.”

    He said his administration would as much as possible work with the people and ensure that every modicum of apathy with respect to the affairs of the council – from elections to the daily running of the community is eradicated by engaging in massive sensitization and advocacy.

  • Ambode backs court Judgment authorizing state to control inland waterways

    Ambode backs court Judgment authorizing state to control inland waterways

    …Says era of uncontrolled sand dredging over in Lagos

     

    Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Tuesday expressed excitement at the judgment of Appeal Court in Lagos which set aside the judgment of the Federal High Court empowering the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) to regulate transportation and sand dredging in the State, saying that the development would go a long way to aid the efforts of the State Government in abating flood in the State.

    The Appellate Court had, on July 18, 2017, allowed the Appeal of the State Government and set aside the judgment of the lower court.

    Speaking while swearing-in the newly democratically elected Chairmen and Vice Chairmen of the 20 Local Government Areas and 37 Local Council Development Areas in the State held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa, Governor Ambode described the judgment as a major success in the quest of the State Government to control its resources and enshrine the true spirit of Fiscal Federalism.

    He said with the judgment, the era of uncontrolled dredging is now over in the State as the State Government would now take firm control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including all sand dredging activities.

    “I am delighted to inform you that the State Government has recorded a major success in its quest to control its resources and enshrine the true spirit of Fiscal Federalism. Last week on 18th July 2017, the Court of Appeal Lagos Division allowed the Appeal of the Lagos State Government and set aside the Federal High Court Judgment which gave the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority to regulate transportation and sand dredging.

    “The era of uncontrolled dredging is over and this serves as a clear warning that the Lagos State Government will now take firm control over its inland waterways and the adjoining lands including all sand dredging activities. This will further aid our efforts in abating flood in the State,” Governor Ambode said.

    Addressing the new council chiefs at a well-attended event which witnessed attendance of key party leaders as well as families, friends and well-wishers, Governor Ambode said with the successful completion of Local Government election which held last Saturday, his administration has, once again, demonstrated total commitment to deepen democratic values and good governance at the grassroots.

    The Governor said his administration recognized the importance of government at the Local Government level as a vibrant and effective system at the third tier of government was critical towards ensuring government of inclusion where everybody has a voice, adding that it was gratifying that the chain of government linking the Wards, Councils and LGAs to the State Government had been completed.

    He particularly congratulated the leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State and the new council bosses on their victory at the polls, as well as the Chairman and members of staff of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) for delivering a free, fair and credible election

    “My greatest commendation goes to all Lagosians especially those who defied the rains on Saturday to perform their civic responsibility. The hallmark of democracy is the participation of the people through the free exercise of their franchise to elect the people they want to represent them. This is the true source of legitimate mandate to lead a people,” Governor Ambode said.

    To the newly-elected Chairmen, Governor Ambode said having crossed the hurdle of the election, they must now settle down for real governance especially by working hard and fulfilling all electoral promises.

    He said: “At the State level, so much is being done to harness the potentials of our State and make it a preferred destination for local/foreign investors and tourists. We are implementing policies and programmes that will promote socio-economic activities and maximise the economic potentials of the three Senatorial zones of the State. This is in line with our commitment to ensure inclusive growth and create opportunities for wealth and job creation.

    “As you (council chiefs) settle down to the business of governance, you must bear in mind that the participation of the people in governance does not end with elections. The people must be carried along and given the opportunity to have a say in policy making process and implementation. It is from you that we get the feedback of the people. You must be accountable and transparent in the management of the resources put in your care for the benefit of the people.”

    Besides, Governor Ambode warned the council chiefs against all forms of discrimination, saying that the dividends of good governance must not only be fairly distributed to all people without prejudice to political affiliation, gender, religious beliefs or ethnic background, but also the cosmopolitan nature of the State must be factored into all decisions.

    Earlier in his welcome address, Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tunji Bello said the development confirms that democratic institution is strong and consolidating in the State, just as he urged the new council chiefs to build vigorously on the landmark achievements of Governor Ambode by ensuring that laudable developmental projects are also felt at the grassroots.

    Responding on behalf of the new Chairmen and Vice Chairmen, Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Government, Hon Kamal Bashua thanked Governor Ambode and the people of the State as well as the leadership of APC for the opportunity to serve, assuring that they would not disappoint the people but hit the ground running.

     

  • Lagos council poll: LASIEC to announce results at collation centres

    Lagos council poll: LASIEC to announce results at collation centres

    The Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) says it will announce results of the July 22 local council polls at ward collation centres.

    The Chairman of commission, Justice Ayotunde Phillips made the disclosure in a statement by Mr Dapo Olatunde, LASIEC’s Director of Publicity.

    She, however, said the commission would set up an election support centre at its head office to monitor developments in various collation centres and other locations.

    Philips expressed the resolve of the commission to conduct a free and fair election on Saturday.

    She added that the commission had started distribution of non-sensitive electoral materials to electoral officers across the 20 local governments and 37 development areas.

    The LASIEC’s boss said the early distribution was to ensure early arrival of the materials to various polling units for a hitch-free election.

    She said electoral officers would distribute the materials to the Presiding Officers in the various councils who would deploy them to the various polling units.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LASIEC has fixed July 22 for the council polls and July 29 for run-off.

  • Lagos Assembly amends LASIEC law ahead of Saturday’s election

    Lagos Assembly amends LASIEC law ahead of Saturday’s election

    A bill for a law to amend the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) Law 2015 and for connected purposes was passed by the Lagos State House of Assembly at plenary yesterday.

    The bill was amended to give room for more participation and flexibility for LASIEC and political parties in order to aid smooth electoral delivery.

    The Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade who moved the motion stated that the amendment of some sections which include Sec.28 and Sec. 62(i) is to seek time within which particular electoral activities could be done.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa emphasized that the essence of the bill is to create more legislative participation and flexibility for LASIEC to give room for adjustment in carrying out their activities and for political parties where necessary.

    In his contribution, Chairman house committee on finance, Lanre Ogundimu said the amendment would create clarity and remove all forms of ambiguity in the law.

    Also chairman house committee on health said the amendment would help settle electoral issues with special focus on time and dates of election

    The bill had an accelerated passage as it went through the first second and third reading at plenary before being passed.

    Majority leader, Sanai Agunbiade recommended the accelerated passage of the bill in accordance with section 101 of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria which empowers the various houses of assembly in the country to regulate its proceedings as well as the standing order of the state house of assembly which empowers the house to abridge time of passage of bills before it.

    The Speaker directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Azeez Sanni to send a clean copy of the bill to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode for his assent.

  • LASIEC clears 12 parties for July 22 council polls

    LASIEC clears 12 parties for July 22 council polls

    Ahead of the July 22 council polls, the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) says it has cleared 12 political parties out of the 23 registered for the elections.

    Mr Dapo Olatunde, LASIEC’s Director of Publicity, said in a statement that the cleared parties had met the commission’s requirements for the polls and also presented candidates for validation.

    Olatunde listed the parties as the All Progressives Congress (APC), Action Alliance (AA), Alliance for Democracy (AD), Labour Party (LP), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Accord Party.

    Others are Kowa Party, National Action Council (NAC) , People’s Democratic Movements (PDM) ,United Democratic Party (UDP)
    and United Progressive Party (UPP).

    He said the names of the validated candidates had been displayed at the commission’s headquarters for observation by party members and members of the public.

    Meanwhile, the commission has begun a three-day “Train -the-Trainer”course for its electoral officers across the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas.

    According to Olatunde, the training, facilitated by the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES), was to equip ad-hoc staff engaged for the July 22 elections.

    IFES is a United States-based organisation committed to the deepening of democracy and international best standards in election management.

    The organization operates in more than 100 countries and is supported by USAID.

  • Lagos IPAC constitutes committee to strengthen inter-party harmony

    Lagos IPAC constitutes committee to strengthen inter-party harmony

    The Lagos State chapter of Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has constituted a committee to strengthen harmony among registered political parties in the state.

    State chairman of the council, Mr. Kola Ajayi, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday.

    He said the six -man committee (Technical Committee) was constituted at the council’s general assembly on Friday.

    He said the committee had Chief Adegboyega Adeniji of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) as its Chairman and Mr. Solomon Orji of Citizens Popular Party (CPP) as General Secretary.

    He said other members are, Mr. Biodun Popoola, Labour Party, Prince Adeshina Olayokun, All Progressives Grand Alliance, Mr. Lateef Adegoroye, African People’s Alliance and Mr. Olawale Idowu, Mega Progressive People’s Party.

    Ajayi said that apart from ensuring resolution of disputes among political parties, the committee had the responsibility to monitor the implementation of code of conduct of parties and furnish the council with periodic reports.

    He said the committee would investigate cases of misconduct by political parties and recommend sanctions in accordance with existing IPAC laws.

    “Also, it is the duty of the committee to receive and treat complaints and propose to IPAC’s general assembly the appropriate sanctions” he said.

    Ajay said the committee would start work immediately after inauguration by the end of the week.

    He said IPAC was committed to the harmonious relationship among parties and strict adherence to code of conduct of parties.

    The chairman said the council would do its best to ensure the peaceful conduct of the July 22 council polls, calling on the Lagos State Independent Electoral commission (LASIEC) to constantly engage the council to achieve the objective.

  • Lagos council poll: IPAC condemns violence at parties’ primaries

    Lagos council poll: IPAC condemns violence at parties’ primaries

    The Lagos State Chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) on Thursday condemned cases of violence during primaries conducted by some political parties ahead of the July 22 council polls in the state.

    The Chairman, Mr. Kola Ajayi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the recorded violence was an embarrassment to IPAC and a threat to grassroots democracy.

    Ajayi said the deaths and destruction that characterised some of the primaries meant that some politicians still believe in do-or-die politics.

    “We are worried about cases of violence which resulted in deaths and destruction in the primaries of some political parties.

    “The development is disturbing as it raises some fear that the main election might record some violence with the way some people are going about politics.

    “Look at the case of somebody that was shot dead at Shogunle during a councillorship primary on Monday, we hear that the killer’s mother has been hacked to death as a reprisal attack.

    “You ask yourself, what for? I think we should not allow all this to continue. Something must be done to stop it,” he said.

    Ajayi said findings by IPAC had revealed that intra-party violence was mostly caused by the absence of internal democracy in the conduct of party affairs.

    He said the idea of imposing candidates on people was anti-democratic and urged parties to stop the practice.

    The chairman said the country’s democracy would not thrive if it remained under the control of godfathers.

    He urged politicians to stop using hoodlums for violence as they might end up being victims of the bad practice.

    Ajayi advised the police to restrategise by ensuring security at political gatherings and elections.

    “Also, we at IPAC, established to foster inter-party harmony, would do our best to address the problem of violence at elections.

    “We would hold a workshop where experts will educate representatives of parties on how they can go about their business without violence.

    “We will also sensitise the people on the need to practice responsible politics through the mass media and other platforms,” he said.

    Ajayi urged the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to live up to its promise of a free and fair council election on July 22, to guarantee peace.

  • Lagos council poll: 86 candidates emerge at PPA primary

    Lagos council poll: 86 candidates emerge at PPA primary

    The Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) on Wednesday conducted its primary which saw 86 chairmanship and councillorship candidates emerge for the July 22 council poll in Lagos State.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the candidates emerged through consensus after party members present endorsed their candidature through voice votes.

    The primary, which produced candidates who would contest in 14 council areas, was monitored by an official of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Mr Afolabi Arowolo.

    Speaking at the primary, the state chairman of the party, Mr Olumide Oguntoyinbo, congratulated the candidates for their election at the primary.

    He urged them to immediately begin to relate with the electorate to ensure good performance at the polls.

    Oguntoyinbo said the grassroots yearned for change in the state and promised that the party would deliver the much needed change if voted.

    “I congratulate you on your election and I urge you to do all you can do to reach out to the electorate so that our party can do well at the election.

    “You see, our party is the only party that has the plan to address the change people want at the grassroots.

    “We should try our best to meet their needs by ensuring that we do well at the polls,” he said

    The party chairman said the party was ready for the election and urged LASIEC to ensure that it was free and fair.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that LASIEC) has fixed July 22 as date of election and July 29 for run-off.

  • LG elections: Lagos CP condemns violence at party’s mock primaries

    LG elections: Lagos CP condemns violence at party’s mock primaries

    The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, on Tuesday urged members of political parties eschew violence ahead of the July 22 local government elections.

    Owoseni made the appeal at the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja while meeting with state chairmen and secretaries of the parties.

    He said the meeting was called as a result of fracas which occurred in Surulere during mock primaries of a political party which claimed the life of a victim.

    The police commissioner said it was also for proper interaction between the political parties and the police, to be able to nip in the bud any untoward incident.

    “The incident that happened last week is a pointer that political activities in Lagos are no longer cordial as they used to be.

    “This is Lagos where everyone has taken each other as brothers. I’m surprised to see an incident where someone had to lose his life.

    “I see no reason why political activities should lead to the death of one. I thought we had gone beyond do or die politics.

    “If we, in the process of wanting to get power kill people, then who do we govern when we eventually get the power?

    “You will help us more if you don’t bring tension into political activities by giving us more time to fight criminals who are after our families.

    “If you are going to make the few policemen we have follow politicians, it doesn’t make any sense. We need to lay good examples,” he said.

    Mr Olubolaji Osinowo, State Secretary, Labor Party (LP), expressed the hope that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) would be fair to all parties, to avoid any form of violence.

    Mr Funsho Ologunde, State Vice Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), also urged the electoral body to provide adequate forms to enable everyone who had aspiration to obtain them.

    According to him, failure of the electoral body to do so is one the reasons why violence occurs during elections.

    Comrade Fatai Ibuowo, State Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP) urged the police to be neutral during the primaries and the elections to avoid violence.

    He also identified the fees charged by LASIEC  for forms as a vexed issue which was causing tension and hould be reconsidered.

    “LASIEC is charging fees for the collection of forms which is supposed to be free. The police should please intervene to prevent any form of violence.” he said.

    Mr Lanre Ogundare, State Secretary, Accord Party commended the police on its efforts during the party’s primaries which were peaceful.

    NAN reports that Owoseni subsequently gave the party representatives numbers to call whenever they need police assistance.

    He advised them to inform the police of their activities at least 72 hours in advance.